How many larvae does a bed bug lay? - briefly
A female bed bug usually lays 1–5 eggs per day, totaling about 200–500 larvae during her lifetime. Eggs hatch in 6–10 days when temperature and humidity are optimal.
How many larvae does a bed bug lay? - in detail
Female bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) deposit eggs in clusters called oothecae. Each clutch typically contains 5 – 7 eggs, although counts as low as 3 and as high as 10 have been recorded under optimal conditions. After laying, the female may produce another batch within 5 – 10 days, allowing a single adult to generate 2 – 5 clutches during her reproductive lifespan of approximately 4 months. Consequently, an individual can give rise to roughly 30 – 45 nymphs before death.
Key factors influencing egg production:
- Temperature: 24 °C–27 °C accelerates oviposition; cooler environments reduce clutch size and frequency.
- Blood meals: Successful feeding triggers egg‑laying; a female requires at least one full blood meal per clutch.
- Host availability: Continuous access to a host sustains regular egg deposition; interruptions extend the interval between clutches.
Egg development time ranges from 6 days at 27 °C to 14 days at 20 °C. Upon hatching, the newborn nymphs enter the first instar stage and immediately begin seeking a blood source. Mortality during early instars can be high, especially in harsh conditions, but the reproductive capacity of the species ensures rapid population growth when conditions are favorable.